Ghaziabad: Harshvardhan Jain, who has arrested in Ghaziabad for running a fake embassy of non-existent countries, was found in possession of forged documents, foreign currency, and several other materials, reports claimed. According to reports, Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) Noida unit seized over ₹44 lakh in cash along with foreign currency of several countries from the rented house that he had converted into fake embassy of made-up micronations. Four vehicles with diplomatic number plates were also seized from his possession, along with 18 diplomatic number plates and 12 diplomatic passports of micronations.
The accused offered citizenship, visas, and jobs abroad in return for money. He had converted a rented house in the upscale Kavi Nagar area into what he called diplomatic premises representing non-existent nations such as ‘Seborga’, ‘West Arctica’, and ‘Lodonia’. None of these entities are officially recognized sovereign states, but have been associated with online “micronation” communities.
The STF recovered forged diplomatic identity cards, fake embassy seals, blue diplomatic number plates, luxury watches, cash, foreign liquor, and multiple gadgets from the premises. According to officials, the man posed as a high-ranking diplomat and carried out activities designed to impress and mislead the public, including employing security guards and using vehicles with VIP-style markings.
Authorities believe that several individuals may have paid him large sums in the hope of migrating abroad or securing government-like positions in the fabricated embassies.
“The entire operation was extremely sophisticated and theatrical, complete with official-looking paraphernalia, false diplomatic insignias, and convincing narratives about the legitimacy of these micronations,” said an STF official.
Some of the micronations the man claimed ties with — such as West Arctica and Seborga — exist only in digital or symbolic form, often founded by individuals with no legal standing. These “nations” typically issue novelty passports, form symbolic governments, and are not recognised by any country or international organisation.
The STF suspects that the accused may have links to a wider network operating in other parts of the country and possibly overseas. Efforts are underway to trace individuals who may have been defrauded and to determine whether any accomplices were involved.
A formal FIR has been registered and the accused has been remanded to police custody for further interrogation. Authorities have urged potential victims to come forward and report their grievances to the STF.
